The "Art" Of Cinematic Manipulation

[Pirate]

The other day, I met someone who said he didn’t like most films because he didn’t like being manipulated. I asked him if he thought looking at a particularly moving painting was a form of manipulation and he replied that he did not. He said: "The painting can only show me what I put into it."

This got me to thinking about the forms of manipulation in film. Of course, we’re all aware of the most blatant cinematic devices such as musical score and melodrama. But, I’m wondering if there’s really any difference between an obvious something bad is about to happen musical cue and, say, what Robert Bresson does with his "actor/model" theory.

Manipulation has such a negative connotation, I wonder if we’ve given a pass to different forms of manipulation and condemned others.

What do you think?

[sub780lime]

All forms of manipulation our good. A movie should instill certain feelings in you. That is often the directors intention. However, the manipulation must be subtle or I will call "foul" on it. A good director can subtly lead us to certain emotional responses. I don't have a problem with that at all. On the other hand, I cannot throw out of the picture the fact that certain films are purposes left open for emotional interpretation by the audience. Each method is valid and can provide an enjoyable cinematic experience.

[David St. Dubly]

Originally Posted by piratehunter

Manipulation has such a negative connotation, I wonder if we’ve given a pass to different forms of manipulation and condemned others.

What do you think?

Dogville is bad. There is no other thought at work in the Von Trier lexicon other than blatant, downbeat, and emptily cynical manipulation. His next project should be how he uses The Five Obstructions to make sure he can't drive to work to make his next film.

[Pirate]

I think, to some extent, Dogme 95 is satirical and a bit of joke. However, I do find these films interesting. For example, I enjoyed watching Dogville and slowly realizing that I was indeed filling in the visual gaps.

And, obviously, manipulation is at the heart of this "movement," but I think these tiny revolutions in cinema are fun.

[David St. Dubly]

Originally Posted by piratehunter

I think, to some extent, Dogme 95 is satirical and a bit of joke. However, I do find these films interesting. For example, I enjoyed watching Dogville and slowly realizing that I was indeed filling in the visual gaps.

And, obviously, manipulation is at the heart of this "movement," but I think these tiny revolutions in cinema are fun.

Despite his claims, Dogville is in no way a Dogme '95 film. I believe it breaks virtually every rule they laid out.

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by David St. Dubly

Despite his claims, Dogville is in no way a Dogme '95 film. I believe it breaks virtually every rule they laid out.

And thus why I don't take this movement very seriously.